Malawian football legend, Ibra Mwase, was laid to rest on Monday at Mbayani cemetery, in Blantyre.

The former Azam Tigers midfielder died last Saturday night a week after battling with anemia.

Mourners came in large numbers to pay their last respect to the man affectionately known as 'Socrates' because of his dazzling footwork.

Among the people who attended the funeral ceremony were Azam Tigers team manager, Robin Alufandika, Sports officials Billy Tewesa, former players like Ojuku Malunga, Thom Milanzi, Albert Mpinganjira, Fundi Akidu, Gerald Phiri and the football fraternity at large.

Mourners were moved when veteran players from various clubs putting on yellow Tigers jerseys, carried his coffin to the grave yard. Cars were driven slowly towards Mbayani cemetery as choir members sung, "Kwathu sipadziko tingopitilira."

Azam Tigers team manager, Robin Alufandika says he is saddened with the death of Mwase, noting he was a darling to spectators especially in 1987 during the All Africa Games in Kenya, where Malawi won against Africa big guns like Cameroun, Senegal and Egypt. Alufandika says he believes Mwase fulfilled his mission in life.

Former Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Thom Milanzi says he regrets that he did not have the opportunity to see Mwase one last time before he passed on.

Milanzi further said it is very sad that such a health and fit fanatic would lose his life when he could have helped in the development of football in the country.

Ojuku Malunga, former Malawi international says he is always reminded of Mwase whenever he watches Robert Ng'ambi, pointing out the similarities in their style of play.

Former Big Bullets general secretary, Higger Mkandawire also paid his tribute, "I last saw Mwase during a Dedza Young Soccer match against Tigers at the Kamuzu Stadium, he had gathered his last bit of strength. I gave a salute before I left and I didn't know that that was the last salute."

Stewart Mbolembole, says the former Flames star played a significant role in helping Malawi to rise to the top of the continent in the 80s.

He says Flames was a force to reckon with during his time when he used to partner with Kennedy Malunga on the midfield.

Football Association of Malawi President, Walter Nyamilandu is among the dignitaries that sent messages of condolences to the family of Mwase. He says he was saddened by the death of Mwase describing him as a humble and skillful player.

Mwase, who coached Tigers Football Club and Malawi under 20 is survived by two children.